Packing Screw Removal Tool for Confined Oilfield Pump Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure oilfield pumps face challenges in accessing and replacing packing screws due to fluid, sand, and debris accumulation, which can lead to leaks and potential pump damage, especially in harsh environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A packing screw removal tool that engages the packing screw at multiple radial locations to apply torque evenly, allowing for efficient removal and installation of the packing assembly, even in confined spaces, using adapter pins and wrench engagement features for various torque applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to remove packing screws from high-pressure pumps, then the seals can be replaced, but the risk of damage during screw removal increases due to fluid, sand, and debris accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The packing screw is divided into multiple engagement points around its circumference, with each segment engaged by a corresponding dog on the removal tool. This segmentation distributes the removal forces across multiple points, preventing localized stress concentration and reducing the risk of screw or pump damage even in contaminated conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool acts as an intermediary device between the wrench and the packing screw. It provides a controlled interface that translates rotational force into precise, distributed torque application, eliminating the need for direct wrench-to-screw contact and reducing damage risk from improper application of force.
2Ease of operation
If torque is applied to remove packing screws in confined spaces, then the seals can be accessed, but uneven torque distribution may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dogs are positioned around the circumference of the packing screw, each engaging at a different radial location. This segmentation ensures that torque is distributed evenly across the screw's surface area, preventing localized stress concentration and potential damage to the screw or pump housing during removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Each dog is specifically positioned to engage at an optimal location on the packing screw, creating localized force application points that collectively distribute torque uniformly. This local quality optimization ensures even torque distribution while maintaining ease of operation in confined spaces.
3Productivity
If traditional removal tools are used, then seal replacement can be performed, but maintenance time and exposure to hazardous conditions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The removal tool is pre-configured with multiple dogs positioned to engage the packing screw simultaneously. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for sequential engagement operations, allowing torque to be applied immediately and uniformly, thereby reducing the time required for screw removal and minimizing exposure to hazardous conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool maintains continuous engagement with the packing screw throughout the removal process, with all dogs applying force simultaneously. This continuous, coordinated action eliminates interruptions and reduces the overall time required for seal replacement, thereby reducing exposure to hazardous working conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and efficient maintenance of high-pressure pumps by reducing the risk of damage during screw removal and installation, minimizing downtime and exposure to hazardous conditions, and facilitating quicker return to operation.
Implementation Method 1
applying torque by the wrench to the packing screw removal tool
Implementation Method 2
The locking pins engage the radial locations to distribute the torque evenly
Data Source
AI summary
A packing screw removal tool for removing packing from a pump fluid end comprising: a tool body; a plurality of packing screw engagement dogs distributed about an axis of rotation about the packing screw removal tool; and a torque transfer engagement post coupled to the tool body. The engagement dogs align with and are releasably connected to radial locations on the packing screw. Applied torque is transferred through a torque transfer engagement post, through the tool body to the engagement dogs and into the packing nut. A second torque transfer engagement post is smaller than the first engagement post. The shape of the tool body allows rotation in limited or confined space. A pump may be serviced at the wellsite by utilizing the packing screw removal tool to unthread the packing screw from the fluid end.